PTACF Announces New $1 Million Endowment For Children's Minnesota

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is proud to announce our 2026 Board of Directors - a dedicated group of leaders who will guide Pine Tree into its next chapter of impact, innovation, and community support. 2026 Board of Directors President: Matt Narr Secretary: Cheryl Yasis Treasurers: Michael Yates & Lori Yates Directors: Barry Dobson, Rachel LaTour, Norm Longsdorf & Tobias Wernet Leadership Transitions and Appointments Matt Narr has been elected President after serving as Secretary the past 3 years. A tournament player and fundraiser since 2008, Narr has also contributed as Event Co-Chair and Tournament Director responsibilities. With nearly two decades of experience as a teaching professional, he currently serves as Racquet Sports Director at Life Time White Bear Lake - home of the annual Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. Cheryl Yasis moves into the Secretary role following 5 years of service as a Director. A Mahtomedi resident and retired global marketing leader, Yasis brings over 30 years of experience across healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Her career includes leadership positions at Fortune 100 companies and MedTech startups, where she drove strategic, data-informed commercialization initiatives. She is also the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor and an avid tennis player. Long-time volunteers Michael and Lori Yates of New Brighton, Minn., will transition into the co-treasurer capacity after serving as Directors. Mike is a retired CPA and MBA who spent over 30 years in the financial industry, while Lori began her career as a CPA at a national public accounting firm before transitioning to the insurance/financial services industry as a financial and regulatory reporting specialist for over 30 years. The Yates' have supported Pine Tree in numerous capacities the past 20 years including donor, player sponsor, photographer/videographer, volunteer coordinator, trophy designer and anything else asked of them. Their daughter, Mel, was also multiple time Pine Tree player earning finalist honors. Barry Dobson , a retired business leader from Vadnais Heights, Minn., returns as a Director. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree, Dobson is the architect behind the organization's Volunteer Give Back program, which engages local high schools and college programs in service, as well as the Game, Set, Cure Luncheon. When not on the tennis court, he enjoys traveling and cooking and spending time with his family and five wonderful grandchildren. Barry looks forward to contributing his experience and energy to the board. Rachel LaTour of Edina, Minn., brings more than 25 years of non-profit board and committee experience. Pine Tree allows her to combine her passion for tennis and community service with her professional background in Human Resources. For the past 3 years, she has successfully led the Pine Tree Junior Tournament, raising more than $100,000 for the cause. Norm Longsdorf of Osceola, Wis., a retired financial leader and avid tennis supporter in the community, enters his second term as a Board Director. Tobias Wernet of Edina, Minn., serves as Customer Success Leader, Cloud + AI at Microsoft, driving strategic initiatives across a $4B+ enterprise customer business with a focus on performance frameworks and business transformation. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, Wernet has contributed as a player, player liaison, and advocate for expanding donor engagement for many years. He played college tennis at the University of Minnesota. Thank you to each of these incredible individuals for lending their time, talent, and passion to our mission. Game, Set, CURE!

The 40th Anniversary of Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Raises Over $600,000 and Still Counting!